Storage Totes in the Mudroom

My kitchen is not huge and my pantry is even smaller. So, needless to say I don’t have extra space for non-essentials. Why would someone build a 5 bedroom home with a small kitchen? Better question: Who would buy it? Good thing I’m organized! Anyway, I saw these totes at Wal-Mart. They were marked down to $5, but at the checkstand they were really marked down to $3 each. Woo-hoo! I knew they would be perfect in the mudroom to store those “extras” I didn’t have room for in the kitchen. (Please ignore the walls, my mudroom is still not finished. Will someone please ground me until I finish it?)

They looked pretty good up there, but kind of blah! Of course, my Cricut came to the rescue again. I thought about making a stencil and painting them, but then my laziness took over and I decided to make some vinyl and just stick it on. The totes are like a nylon so the vinyl stuck on, no problem.

The {1} tote doesn’t  have anything in it yet. This is inside the {2} tote. I use these for parties, picnics or when lots of kids are over.

I decided on numbers because I wanted something simple.

This is inside the {3} tote. These are used for parties or when the kids request them. They like to eat ice cream out of the teal ones.

As you can tell, I like fast projects. Maybe that’s the problem with me finishing the mudroom.

I placed a plastic tote inside the tote to give me a flat, hard surface to work with. Then I just stuck the vinyl on. I did actually measure a little, but it’s not perfect.

So what do you think? This is looking at them as you come in through the garage.

And this is looking at them from the front hall of the house. I love them, especially for a total cost of $9.

Now I have a place for those non-essential kitchen items. Easy to get to, but out of sight.

{ 35 comments… add one }
  • tangled zen August 24, 2010, 12:53 pm

    Swoon – I can’t believe you found those totes for $3 – uhm, I’ll take a billion of them please.

    They look good – love the numbers.

  • Handy Man, Crafty Woman August 24, 2010, 3:56 pm

    That looks great! At least you have a mudroom, that helps with kitchen storage.

  • Lisa August 24, 2010, 4:49 pm

    Good find! You did such a great job finding the PERFECT use for them…your mind is automatically organized! 😀

  • Heidi@TheCraftMonkey August 24, 2010, 6:48 pm

    very cute! they look so chic too!

  • barb August 25, 2010, 5:31 am

    i am trying to find these totes. they would work perfect for a bathroom closet project i am doing. i love your idea to. do they have a brand or anything, i can’t find them at walmart.com yet. thanks for posting!

  • Young Wife August 25, 2010, 8:15 am

    They look great!

  • Kyra August 25, 2010, 10:48 am

    Hi! Those came out great! I wish we had a mudroom…

    I just stumbled across your blog and am loving it so far! Can’t wait to borrow some ideas. 🙂

  • Madigan at madiganmade August 25, 2010, 6:11 pm

    There is something about number labels that is so cute. I’m a sucker for them. Love these!!

  • Chris August 25, 2010, 8:40 pm

    I have a similar tote, but never considered using it on a high shelf like this! Great idea.

  • Stacey August 25, 2010, 8:45 pm

    So cute! I love how something so simple adds SO much! Adorable!

  • Andrea @ Simple Organized Living August 26, 2010, 8:43 am

    Wow, this really adds a lot to your room…and such a simple idea! I love it!
    I’m a huge fan of hidden storage!

  • Andrea @ Simple Organized Living August 26, 2010, 8:44 am

    Let’s try this again! My first comment doesn’t link back to my site!! Sorry!

  • Kathy August 26, 2010, 9:27 am

    Love the numbers. That blue color too. I think I need to number something in my house. I know I’m missing out. Great, simple project.

  • Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking August 26, 2010, 2:51 pm

    Love them & I TOTALLY understand the quick project. I’ve got a list of more time consuming projects that I’m sitting… bad blogger!

  • Jami August 26, 2010, 2:52 pm

    Those are so cute!! You found them at WalMart?!?! Recently?!?! I’m out the door to find some!
    smiles!

  • Amy Kinser August 26, 2010, 5:47 pm

    I think they look great and that they were a great find. The price was especially great. Don’t you just love lucking up on something like that?

    Partying with you tonight. Stop by if you have a chance.

  • Meg August 26, 2010, 10:00 pm

    This is great. I love it when a plan comes together. I’m all for the fast and easy projects!

    I’m having a Target giveaway and a link party on my blog. I’d love it if you joined! alittleknickknack.blogspot.com

  • Amanda Formaro August 27, 2010, 5:51 am

    Hi Leanne, love the totes ;0) Featured them in a round up today http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/4-cool-number-projects/

  • Becky@OrganizingMadeFun August 27, 2010, 2:22 pm

    This is really cute! I love how you organized that..I would think you’d say “hey can you get me the #2 basket with my plastic bottles?” Very clever! Visiting from remodelaholic…

  • Allison August 27, 2010, 2:22 pm

    How cute – and numbers are always in style!

    I wanted to let you know about Atticmag’s new linky party – Giveaway Friday! It’s a convenient place for bloggers to link their giveaways each week. We’ve kicked it off with a fantastic giveaway of our own. Five lucky winners will win material to do a backsplash in their homes. Hope to see you there!

    Allison
    Atticmag

  • Kelley August 27, 2010, 4:55 pm

    Great idea! I love fast and easy too..plus what a fast way to stash stuff and still look great!

    Have a great idea!

  • Lynda@meandmypinkmixer August 27, 2010, 6:37 pm

    What a great idea ~ they look so good. Wish I had a Cricut!! There are so many cute vinyl ideas out now – maybe one day I will get one 🙂

  • Beverly @ FlamingoToes.com August 27, 2010, 8:02 pm

    Those are really cute too! I love the numbers. The vinyl looks great on there!

  • Amy @ The Happy Scraps August 27, 2010, 9:24 pm

    This is such a cute idea! I would have never thought to put vinyl on that type of tote! Very Clever, and good job with using your space all the way to the ceiling! I need to try that!

  • this blessed nest August 28, 2010, 8:02 am

    great idea.

    love the color of your storage baskets.
    i also think having stuff ready to go or grab is a great idea & time saver.

    happy weekend!
    kellie

  • Suzanne August 28, 2010, 9:35 am

    Young lady, YOU are GROUNDED! Mostly because I really want to see that pantry when it’s finished. 🙂

    I like your bins. $3 is a killer deal, and the numbers look really cute.

  • Ann August 29, 2010, 9:06 am

    Great buy on the totes! They look good lined up with their numbers, a nice clean finish. The mudroom will be there when you are ready, go have some fun today!

  • Happy Nester August 29, 2010, 5:31 pm

    I love your totes. They look great. I love the numbers you added. What a great deal you got on them too.
    Monica

  • Tanya August 30, 2010, 4:27 pm

    Very cute idea! I love it!

  • Erin August 30, 2010, 4:51 pm

    I LOVE how the totes turned out!!

  • Allison @ House of Hepworths September 1, 2010, 7:16 pm

    I featured this project!

    http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2010/09/01/hookin-up-with-hoh-15/

    Love it! Thanks for linking up last week!!

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